Court Says Anyanwu No Longer Nat. Secretary Of PDP

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January 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the case filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu seeking to retain himself in office as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025 -Sen. Samuel Anyanwu vs. INEC & Ors, Justice M. G. Umar dismissed Anyanwu ‘s claims regarding his right to the office of the National Secretary of the party.

Anyanwu had approached the court seeking an Order of injunction restraining his removal from office, following a previous Supreme Court judgment that held that his stay in office is an internal affair of the Party.

He had sought to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting upon any documents or correspondence from the PDP that did not bear his signature.

The case underwent several procedural shifts, including being transferred from suspended Justice Inyang Ekwo to Justice M. G. Umar.

The court observed that Sen. Samuel Anyanwu was elected as National Secretary of the party in 2021 and cannot continue in office after the expiration of the term he was elected.

The court reaffirmed that the Nigerian judiciary consistently maintains that matters concerning the internal leadership and administration of a political party are non-justiciable.

This principle, reinforced by recent Supreme Court precedents, dictates that courts should not interfere in how political parties choose their officers.

The court noted the existence of multiple parallel litigations over the same subject matter across various levels of the judiciary, including High Courts, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

Anyanwu was among the high-ranking members expelled from the party during the Ibadan National Convention in November 2025.

Ekiti Gov. Election: INEC Raises Hope Of Parties Without Candidates In Final List

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that Monday’s list of candidates and their deputies for the Ekiti governorship election was final.

However, any political party whose candidate’s name is missing can still be added if there is a Court judgement to that effect.

In the list signed by INEC National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony, name of the flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) elected during the party’s Congress last year Wole Oluyede was missing.

Names of the 12 political parties which will feature in the contest were listed in the latest list.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made the clarification on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the INEC state office.

The REC cautioned political parties and their candidates participating in the Ekiti State governorship election to strictly adhere to electoral laws and conduct themselves responsibly to sustain the peaceful atmosphere ahead of the June 20, 2026 poll.

The meeting brought together representatives of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.

Omoseyindemi urged political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns as the official campaign period begins on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

He advised them to demonstrate maturity by shunning hate speech, inciting statements, personal attacks and the spread of misinformation capable of undermining the electoral process.

According to him, while INEC recognises the constitutional right of political parties and candidates to campaign freely, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Campaigns.

The REC further warned against violence, intimidation and the disruption of opponents’ lawful campaign activities, stressing that parties must strictly adhere to approved venues, routes and campaign timelines.

He noted that any violation of the guidelines would attract appropriate sanctions as provided by the law.

Omoseyindemi also enjoined political parties to properly notify security agencies and relevant authorities ahead of rallies and other campaign activities to ensure adequate security and public order, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to peaceful campaigns that would culminate in a credible election and sustained stability in Ekiti State.

He equally charged journalists covering the election to uphold professionalism, fairness and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

Leadership Crisis Rocks Ondo Factional ADC

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The leadership crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Tuesday, as Olaide Rasheed Ibraheem, declared that he remains the authentic State Chairman of the party.

He has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the national leadership to correct constitutional breaches and demanded his immediate reinstatement.

Ibraheem alleged that on November 28, 2024, he was removed from office by the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Raphael Nwosu, in what he described as an embarrassing and unceremonious manner.

The national leadership of ADC constitutionally recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is Led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Addressing journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Ibraheem explained that he emerged as ADC State Chairman through a duly conducted state congress held on October 7, 2020, with security agencies in attendance and without rancour.

He added that since his assumption into office, no other state congress has been conducted in Ondo State.

The ADC Chairman further disclosed that he solely financed the party’s activities in the state, noting that there were no political office holders or subvention to support the party during his tenure.

According to him, the affairs of the party were conducted strictly in line with ADC constitution.

He insisted that the action was unconstitutional and violated the principle of party supremacy as provided in Article 2 of the party’s constitution.

The ADC Chairman further argued that the ADC constitution does not empower the National Chairman to remove a duly elected state chairman, accusing Nwosu of acting ultra vires by unilaterally dissolving state and local government executives without due process or recourse to the party’s constitution.

The Chairman stated that he delayed making the issue public in the hope that well-meaning elders of the party would persuade the National Chairman to reverse what he termed a grave mistake, noting that no corrective step has been taken.

He also accused the party’s national leadership of ignoring Article 18 of the constitution by failing to convene any congress before taking actions capable of throwing the Ondo State chapter into crisis.

Ibraheem warned that failure to reinstate him, alongside the state and local government executives removed in November 2024, within 14 days, would compel the affected leaders to take further steps to seek redress.

He called on the national leadership of the ADC to urgently take corrective measures to restore constitutional order and prevent an internal impasse within the Ondo State chapter of the party.

OPINION: The Importance Of Kashim Shettima

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James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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By Reuben Abati

There is a potentially disruptive speculation, a kite being flown in political conversations, which could affect the fortunes of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, as Nigerians begin the dress rehearsal towards the 2027 general election. It is the whisper, in quiet and low tones, that there is a plan afoot to drop Senator Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.

It will be recalled that in June 2025, at a meeting of the APC north-east stakeholders, party leaders, including the national vice chairman (north-east), Mustapha Salihu, and the then APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, while endorsing President Tinubu for a second term, had notably failed to mention the name of his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima. This prompted instant riotous behaviour on the part of the delegates from Borno state, who reacted by bringing the meeting to an abrupt end. They threw chairs and threatened physical assault on perceived enemies of Shettima.

They chanted: “No Shettima, No APC in the North East.” Whereas the party at the national level tried to offer an explanation, Shettima’s supporters took the development as a deliberate sign of disrespect to the man who is the highest-ranking politician from the region. They could not be pacified by the excuse that it is the prerogative of the president to announce his own running mate.

The truth is that the office of the vice-president is a creation of Section 141 of the 1999 Constitution. It is further true that he or she is nominated by the president and the validity of the president’s own nomination rests on his choice of a vice-president, making the presidency a joint ticket. The constitution, however, does not specify the identity of such a person except for the general provisions which apply to the president in Sections 137 – 140. For persons who have taken politics as a vocation in Nigeria, most of them have no second address by the way, every gesture, every word is taken as a signal. Before the Gombe incident, Shettima’s name was also omitted during the APC National Summit at the Presidential Villa in May 2025. Those who printed campaign posters at the time to promote President Tinubu’s candidacy omitted Shettima’s name and picture.

The permutations and speculations, rather than disappear, have intensified. Only yesterday, the speaker of the Borno state house of assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, raised an alarm over the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s picture on the banner portraying party leaders in the region. North-east governors and APC stakeholders are currently in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, for the north-east public hearing on the constitutional amendment. Maiduguri is the vice-president’s main base. He was the governor of Borno state for eight years (2011 – 2019). Yet someone has the effrontery to put up banners which have the images of the president, the five APC governors of the north-east, and the national legal adviser, deliberately leaving out the vice-president. Meanwhile, the Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum has cautioned President Tinubu against tampering with the current APC presidential ticket. “We started this journey together, and we intend to finish it together…”, the forum declared in a statement issued in Kano. Similarly, the president of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Garba Kobi, speaking to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, said, “any attempt to replace Senator Kashim Shettima would amount to a grave political miscalculation that could cost President Tinubu massive support in the north, especially the north-east.”

Those flying the kite, in an auto-suggestive fashion since last year, have even suggested possible replacements. The initial list comprised Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, whose choice it was said would address the backlash over the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP 2023 Presidential candidate and a chieftain of Kano politics, a major vote bloc, Professor Baba Gana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, on the basis of his popularity and the fact that he is from exactly the same state as Shettima. The scramble for Shettima’s job has since reached high fever pitch with the involvement of the United States in the politics of religion in Nigeria. Trump, the self-appointed defender of Christians in Nigeria, threatened on October 31, 2025, that he would storm Nigeria “guns a-blazing” to rescue Nigerian Christians from reported genocide and persecution. On December 25, 2025, President Trump sent Nigerians a Christmas gift by firing Tomahawk missiles into Sokoto state, on the basis of intelligence, per New York Times, purportedly provided by an Igbo screwdriver merchant in Onitsha market, determined to screw down Nigeria. This attribution of the source of intelligence for the assault on Sokoto, the original base of the Caliphate, the home of the leader of the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, is enough to screw up Nigeria.

The triumphalism of a section of the Nigerian Christian elite has only deepened tensions, birthing the renewed impression and agitation that the only way forward for Nigeria is for the country to show that it is not against Christians in the country in order to pacify Trump, the self-styled commander-in-chief of the world. When President Tinubu tinkered with the Muslim-Muslim arrangement in the leadership of the ministry of defence, with the replacement of the former minister of defence, Badaru Abubakar, with General Christopher Musa, the political fortune watchers of Nigeria concluded that the president would do the same with the presidential ticket towards 2027. Their main reason is that Trump will not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket. But why should Trump dictate to Nigeria? Where are the people who voted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023? Where is the sovereignty of Nigeria? The very suggestion that it is President Trump, not Nigerians, who will determine the political process in Nigeria in 2027 is a defeatist, slavish expression.

It is worse that, in a robotic fashion, the people flying kites in the village square like children have now revised their list of possible Shettima replacements to include only Christians, namely: Hon. Yakubu Dogara (his name is still on their list), minister of defence, General Christopher Musa, Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah. They insist that nobody should be surprised if President Tinubu decides to drop Shettima, given his own antecedents. As governor of Lagos state, President Tinubu had three deputy governors in eight years: Mrs Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, who resigned in protest, Mr Femi Pedro, who has now been recently rehabilitated with a marginal ambassadorial nomination, and Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, who quietly completed the remainder of Pedro’s tenure in 2007. It is not certain that President Tinubu will adopt the same tactics in Abuja. Nigerian politics is far more complex and different from the containerised, localised politics of Lagos state. It is for this reason that I share the view of former presidential adviser and elder statesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, when he said in July 2025 that President Tinubu should have personally debunked the stories about his plans to drop the vice-president for someone else. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, dismissed the subject as “a non-issue”. Baba-Ahmed argued that the president’s silence can only fuel uncertainty and political tension. He cannot be more correct.

It would indeed be a big miscalculation to attempt to displace Vice President Kashim Shettima. He has been a very loyal, humble and hardworking deputy. If he were some other person, he would have been noisy and loud about whatever he may consider unfair treatment. He has, however, been quiet, dutiful and not made any attempt to upstage his boss. Besides, he is a competent powerhouse with strong intellectual abilities. He has strong credentials: a former governor and a former senator. President Tinubu already has about 28 governors in his pocket, along with the structures in the states. If this is so certain as it seems, then changing his running mate ahead of 2027 would amount to a distraction that could upset current calculations for the APC. It is not just that the entire north-east would turn against the president, the emergence of a Christian in place of Shettima will turn the tables and the Muslim north, already agitated by the narrative of being anti-Christian, against the president. There is no point in changing a winning ticket. Vice President Shettima is of greater political value than all the persons being proposed as likely replacements. Dogara, Mutfwang, Christopher Musa and Bishop Kukah are from minority groups in the north. How many votes can they bring to the table? Politics is not about sentiments. It is a hard-nose exercise in pragmatism. President Tinubu cannot afford to gamble with northern votes. Sustaining the Tinubu-Shettima ticket conveys an image of stability, continuity and confidence.

And it is not true that President Trump is in a position to dictate the religious outlook of the Nigerian Presidency. The well-worn story about the protection of Nigerian Christians is at best a cover story for America’s strategic interest. What does the United States stand to gain from having a Christian Vice President or President in Nigeria? The fact that the Christian community is represented in Aso Villa does not translate into any special advantage for a Christian. The politics of proximity has its limits. It is not proven that having a kinsman or a person of the same religious persuasion or gender in power confers any special privileges. The long-term objective in Nigeria should be to have in power and office at all levels persons who believe in the country, who are competent and patriotic, not ethnic or religious gladiators. In 2027, there should be alternative tickets: Christian-Muslim, Muslim-Christian, Christian- Animist, Atheist-Freethinker and the people’s right to choose should be respected. But President Tinubu does not need to set his own house on fire. The hidden campaigners for an APC Christian Vice President cannot offer a causal link between having a Muslim as Vice President and the alleged persecution of Christians. Vice President Shettima is a liberal, anti-tribal political leader. Why punish him for his chosen faith when he has done nothing wrong. He is protected under Section 42: the right to freedom from discrimination. Even if his faith is not the issue, those Muslims who are eyeing his seat and seeking to unseat him are only being mischievously ambitious, not that they have anything special to offer. President Tinubu should rescue his Vice President from the harassment and mental torture of having to hear every day that other persons want his job. His contributions and loyalty should not be discounted.

The hustle, however, is enabled by the fact that the Nigerian Constitution makes the position of the Vice President and Deputy Governors dependent on the kindness of the President. The Presidency and the Governorship positions are otherwise described as joint tickets, but in reality, the Deputies are appendages that can be discarded by a powerful principal, who has the legislature on his side, or the freedom to choose whoever he wants in the event of a second term in office. The APC Youth Forum was perhaps right to have declared that “We started this journey together, and we intend to finish it together…”. Tinubu and Shettima should finish it together. The Constitution, for future purposes, should conceive of the Presidency and the Governorship positions as a Siamese-twins arrangement. Otherwise, those who seek to cause friction would always have their way. In 2014, ahead of the 2015 Presidential election, one of the loudest whispers in the corridors of Aso Villa was the speculation that President Jonathan was going to drop his Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo in the second term race.

The rumour mongers were so certain that they said they had seen the speech President Jonathan was going to read to declare his interest in the 2015 presidential election, and that Vice President Sambo’s name was not there. The president found no need to respond to the speculations, but when he declared his intention to contest for a second term on November 11, 2014, he named Vice President Sambo as his running mate. It was a Christian-Muslim ticket at the time, and the circumstances were different. The choice of a running mate was not even such an issue, but it is this time around, especially with the United States’ interest in Nigeria’s religious politics, and that is why President Tinubu should douse the tension early, and not succumb to the antics of blackmailers and opportunists weaponising religion within the APC. He chose Senator Shettima in 2022. He should be courageous and principled enough to stand by his choice in 2026.

Abati, a former Presidential Adviser, is a public affairs analyst

Millions Of Naira Lost, As Fire Guts Building At Ikeja Computer Village

By

Akinwale Kasali

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January 20, 2026

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Fire Guts Building At Ikeja Computer Village

By Akinwale Kasali

Traders at the popular Computer Village Market, Ikeja, Lagos State, are counting their losses following a Fire Outbreak that gutted some sections of the market on Tuesday.

The one-storey commercial building housing Computer and Accessories dealers on Somoye Osundairo Street, Computer Village, was gutted by fire, with properties and goods worth Millions of Naira destroyed.

It was gathered from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, that the incident was reported at about 1:55 a.m. through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response plan from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa.

According to the agency, its response team arrived at the scene around 2:15 a.m. and found the building engulfed in flames, with dense smoke indicating intense combustion within the structure.

Olufemi Oke-a Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary stated in a Preliminary Incident Report that the building was primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories, adding that the high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The statement reads, “Upon arrival of the LASEMA Response Team at the incident scene, it was observed that a fire outbreak had occurred in a one-storey commercial building accommodating dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja.

“Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire,” the statement read.

Though LASEMA is yet to ascertain why, LASEMA also said the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained the cause of the Fire outbreak, but investigation is still ongoing.

As regards casualties recorded at the scene of the inferno, the agency confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although one Lagos State firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and received first aid treatment on site from the Lagos State Ambulance Service.

“No fatalities were recorded. One Lagos State firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site,” the statement said.

The agency noted that the entire upper floor of the building was completely razed by the fire, with all goods and properties stored there destroyed, while the structure had been partially compromised and would require immediate assessment.

“All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration,” LASEMA stated.

It explained that its response team conducted a risk assessment, cordoned off the affected area and coordinated a multi-agency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS and the Nigeria Police Force to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.

“Fire-fighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building, preventing escalation to neighbouring structures,” the agency said, adding that damping-down operations were ongoing to prevent re-ignition.

Unperturbed Gov. Fubara Joins APC Strategy Committee

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 20, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

A confident Rivers State Governor, on Monday, joined his All Progressives Congress Governor-colleagues at the inaugural meeting of the Party’s high-level Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation.

His presence at the meeting belied the battle he is fighting at home, with an impeachment sword dangling over his head. However, being in the midst of his Colleagues is likely to boost his confidence, lift his spirit, and give him the chance to ask for their support in his battle with the Minister Nyesom Wike-backed members of the House of Assembly.

The meeting, was an assembly of high ranking APC leaders to tackle internal disputes, foster unity, and strengthen the party’s position ahead of future elections.

It is chaired by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

Members of the committee include Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

Others members are: Senator Adamu Aliero, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, and Secretary Muiz Banire (SAN).

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Committee in December 2025 in Lagos. Its mandate is to promote inclusive solutions through strategic engagements and wide consultations.

Chairman Governor Buni harped on the need for proactive measures to address threats to party unity, ensuring aggrieved members both old and new feel a renewed sense of belonging.

Governor Fubara’s involvement in this key APC structure emphasizes his sure-footedness in the ruling party to which he defected from the PDP in late 2025.

IBB University Student Hangs Self After Losing N600,000 To Sports Betting

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 20, 2026

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IBB University Student Hangs Self — Kelvin Danlami: Allegedly Killed self after Losing N600,000 to sports betting.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Students Union Government, SUG, of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, University, Lapai IBBU, has expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden death of one of its members, Kelvin Danlami.

Danlami a 300-level Computer Science student was said to have committed suicide on Monday January 19,2026, inside his off-campus room after, allegedly, losing over N600,000 to sports betting.

According to witness accounts by witnesses, Danlami came under severe financial pressure arising from his decision to use a substantial portion of house rent collected on behalf of his landlord to engage in gambling.

Some fellow students who spoke on the unfortunate incident informed that after losing about N600,000 to betting ,the deceased came under pressure to remit to his landlord the rent he had earlier collected from students residing in an off-campus lodge, a development that forced him into hanging himself in his room.

The Landlord who is residing outside Niger State,was said to have appointed the late Danlami as the caretaker of his hostel.

But rather than remitting the landlord’s money immediately after collecting same from student-lodgers, Danlami allegedly paid in only N100,000 with a promise to deliver the balance as soon as there was an improvement in the network system of his bankers.

However, he was believed to have become disappointed and forlorn after he could not hit the expected jackpot from his betting.

“Before his death, he (Danlami) paid the sum of N100,000 into the account of the landlord , with a promise to pay the balance as soon as the network of a virtual bank he was operating was restored.

“He was, as of then, having N570,000 before transferring the N100,000 into the Landlord’s account”, one of the students noted.

The SUG, in a statement issued by the Secretary General, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar, while extending heartfelt condolences to the family, relations, friends and the entire University community, described the development as very unfortunate and tragic.

“On behalf of the entire students of IBB University, Lapai, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family ,relatives , friends, the Department of Computer Science and all students of the University over this great and painful loss.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear this moment of grief” ,Abubakar stated

Unity Bank Repositions E-business With Enhanced Unifi Mobile App

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James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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Big lender, Unity Bank Plc, has launched an upgraded version of its mobile banking platform, Unifi, as part of ongoing efforts to improve customer experience on the Bank’s digital Banking platform and reinforce its proposition in ebusiness.

The latest update, Unifi version 2.3, introduces a suite of improved features designed to enhance usability, security, and convenience for customers. Key upgrades include enhanced security protocols, expanded quick-action functionalities, improved bill payment options, and an updated Nigeria Quick Response (NQR) feature to support faster and more secure QR code transactions.

A key aspect of the rollout builds on the Bank’s continued investment in digital and security infrastructure, aimed at safeguarding customer data, ensuring secure payments and enabling safe, real-time transactions across channels.

Speaking on the upgrade, Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME, Digital Banking & Fintech Partnerships at Unity Bank, said the improvements are built on the back of continuous interrogation of the platform to be more responsive to customer feedbacks which are being received overtime in our interactions and engagements.

“Digital banking has become an integral part of everyday life, particularly for retail customers who expect speed, dependability, convenience, and security as standard. With the latest upgrade to Unifi, we are responding directly to these expectations by enhancing functionality, strengthening security, and simplifying key payment and transaction journeys. Our goal is to ensure that customers can carry out their banking activities seamlessly, confidently, and without friction, anytime and anywhere.”

She added that the Bank remains committed to continuous improvement of its digital channels in line with evolving customer needs and emerging industry trends.

“As mobile banking increasingly defines how people interact with financial services, Unifi is central to our strategy of delivering intuitive, reliable, and inclusive digital solutions. We will continue to invest in technology partnerships and platform enhancements that support financial inclusion, drive adoption, and improve overall customer experience.”

Originally introduced as part of Unity Bank’s strategic push to expand its retail footprint, particularly among young and digitally savvy customers, Unifi has grown into a core engine of the Bank’s retail banking expansion. The platform plays a critical role in driving customer acquisition, deepening engagement, and reinforcing Unity Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The Unifi mobile app is available for download on Android and iOS devices, offering customers access to a wide range of services, including transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and QR-enabled transactions.

2027: Obasanjo, Babagida Meet; Obi/ Kwakwanso Ticket In The Mix

By

James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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Two former Nigerian Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) met on Monday amidst suggestions that the meeting was not unconnected with the 2027 election, and who becomes Nigeria’s next President.

According to sources, the two former leaders met at the instance of former President Obasanjo who visited Gen Babangida at his Minna Hill Top home.

This is not the first time the two former Nigerian presidents have consulted over the future of the country, but Monday’s meeting drew attention from not a few Nigerians following reports that Obasanjo is interested in who becomes president in 2027.

Sources close to Obasanjo informed that the former leader is trying to form a formidable team of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwakwanso as presidential and vice presidential candidates to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Both Obi and Kwakwanso, a former governor of Kano state, who also served under Obasanjo as Minister of Defence, have showed interest in the 2027 presidential race.

While Obi, a former governor of Anambra state has officially joined the new coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to advance his presidential aspiration, Kwakwanso has yet to declare for the party amid speculation that he’s eyeing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sources however informed the magazine that former President Obasanjo has been putting pressure on the former minister to dump his current party the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP for the ADC to run with Obi against Tinubu.

Reliable sources also informed the magazine that Obasanjo’s visit to the former military dictator was to get his buy-in over the Obi/ Kwakwanso joint presidential ticket.

During the 2023 presidential election, Obasanjo, the magazine recalls was a major backer of Obi’s presidential bid against Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, his former vice president.

Obasanjo is said to be wary of Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2027, and has told very close political associates and former vice president that he’s not willing to back him for the renewed bid for Nigeria’s number one citizen.

While pressure is being mounted on Abubakar to step down for Obi in the ADC, the former number two citizen in the country insist that he’s going for the sole ticket of the party amidst believe that he has a better chance of defeating other presidential hopeful in the emerging opposition party.

One of his associates, Dele Momodu noted last week that Abubakar was not prepared to step down for any aspirants in ADC. The journalist cum politician stated on Channels Television that none of the ADC Presidential hopeful has the war chest and popularity of the former vice president.

Also, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary said on Monday that all the aspirants will be allowed to vie for the party’s sole ticket, saying if Abubakar gets it, so be it.

Gov Sani, CAN Meet As Police Deny Abduction Of 170 Christian Worshippers

By

James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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The Christian Association of Nigeria and Kaduna state government have clashed over the reported abduction of over 170 Christian worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state two days ago.

On Sunday, bandits were reported to have attacked three churches in the state, ECWA, Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and 2 abducting over 170 worshippers including women, elderly and youths. The criminals were said to have released nine abductees believe to be the elders among them, while others were marched into the bush.

According to the report, the bandits stormed the three churches while services were ongoing, locked the gate after which the ordered the worshippers to march in a single file as they awere marched away.

Confirming the incident, CAN’s chairperson in the Kajuru LGA, Enoch Kaura, informed journalists that bandits abducted about 163 worshippers during a church service in the LGA on Sunday

The CAN in North Central and Abuja have also confirmed the abduction, saying they are working with the security agencies to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.

The LGA CAN chairperson detailed what happened: “The attack occurred while members were in the middle of the service. The bandits arrived in large numbers, blocked the church entrance, and forced the congregation into the bush,” Mr Kaura explained.

“It has been confirmed that 172 people were abducted, including men, women, and children. With nine individuals having escaped, 163 people remain in captivity.”

But in a swift reaction, the state government said those pudding the report were just trying to cause confusion in the state, saying no worshippers was kidnapped.

The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Sha said

told journalists that the reported abduction was completely false, saying the state government is currently working with CAN and community leaders over the incident.

‘’They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,” he said.

Also speaking over the alleged abduction, the chairman of the LGA, Dauda Madaki, said there was nothing like it, stating that officials of the Council and security agencies swung into a toon as soon as they learnt that worshippers were being kidnapped by the bandits.

Madaki: “When he heard the rumour of the attack, we mobilised the police and other security forces to the area, Kurmin Wali, but found out that there was no attack.

“We visited the church where the so-called kidnapping took place. There was no evidence of the attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack.

“I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who was interviewed by the pressmen who accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened.

‘’So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped, and I have been waiting for this list, and no one has come forward with a name.

‘’I believe that the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration,’’ the council chair said.

Also, the Nigerian Police said on Monday that the reported abduction was false, waiting those it accused of trying to cause chaos in the state that the security agencies will not hesitate to punish them.

On Monday, the state governor Uba Sani met with CAN officials in the state to brainstorm over the incident.

Meanwhile, the major opposition party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the incident, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act fast to rescue the abductee, and ensure that the problem of kidnapping in the country is nipped in the bud.